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Banger Banter 3rd Quarter 2011

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Quarterly Newsletter of the Old Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club. Bangkok,Thailand. The club fields three teams - Colts, Old Boys and "The Ancients". The "Bangers" play in the competitive domestic competition against Thai and expatriate sides, play touring teams that visit the Kingdom and compete in rugby tournaments around the ASEAN region. The Old Boys have participated in World Vintage Rugby Carnivals in Limerick Ireland, Buenos Aires Argentina, Cape Town South Africa and looking forward to the next one in Honolulu Hawaii.
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BANGER BANTER NEWSLETTER : JULY - SEPTEMBER 2011 ww.oldbangkokbangers.com Sponsor Spotlight GARETH HUGHES, CEO RSM THAILAND Over A Heinnie The Healthy Banger EXCLUSIVE Stew’s Views Ancient Quill Banger Humour Ask Nantida Outta Here INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS HARTLEY RUGBY NUTRITION EAT RIGHT, PLAY RIGHT Signal Rugby History HISTORY OF RUGBY REFEREEING ENGLAND WAS TO GO TO AUSTRALIA IN1879
Transcript
Page 1: Banger Banter 3rd Quarter 2011

BA

NG

ER B

AN

TER N

EWSLETTER

: JULY - SEPTEM

BER

2011

ww.oldbangkokbangers.com

Sponsor SpotlightGARETH HUGHES, CEORSM THAILAND

Over A Heinnie

The Healthy Banger

EXCLUSIVE

Stew’s Views Ancient Quill Banger Humour Ask Nantida Outta Here

INTERVIEW WITHCHRIS HARTLEY

RUGBY NUTRITIONEAT RIGHT, PLAY RIGHT

Signal

Rugby History

HISTORY OF RUGBYREFEREEING

ENGLAND WAS TO GO TO AUSTRALIA IN1879

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Photo : Robert Brewer

James CorlettByron Kelleher Charity Sevens 2011Banger Colt

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6 Andrew McDowellMessage from the Chairman

7 Tates’ BlogClub Captain on the last quarter

8 Mi Chiama RobertoThe Colts Captain has his say

9 The Gist Of ItThe Club Coach writes - you read

10 Sponsor SpotlightInterview Gareth Hughes, CEO, RSM Thailand

14 The Ancient QuillWhere do the Ancients go from here?

20 ArmchairIs your insurance up to date ?

23 Outta HereTwo popular Banger players leave Thailand

24 Hartley’s HumourChris’s jokes to brighten up your day

26 Rugby HistoryThe England tour to Australia 1878

28 Geoff The ChefAll you wanted know about bread.

30 Stew’s ViewsEx Banger back playing in England.

32 Wall Street GossipWhat’s happening at the Wall Street Bar & Grill.

33 Five MinutesShort answers to short questions : Mike Swager.

34 StrewthAussie insight into Wallaby rugby.

35 Rugby World CupStatistics to win a pub discussion on

36 The Healthy BangerNutrition. What is good to eat

37 Ask NantidaSatirical Banger advice giver

17

11

19

Jean Francois Klentzi

Chris Hartley

Grant Signal

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The season about to start gain. Next week in fact. The Royal Bangkok Sports Club round-robin competition. After the Pattaya and Phuket tournaments there is always brief lull before the season gains some steam. During the break, the Bangers left in Bangkok have continued training. There have been good turnouts Wednesday nights at the NIST International School and the Lumpini Park run Sunday afternoon. We have some new sponsors on board this year. Nan Yang Textiles, Tenderloins Steakhouse, Barbecues Galore and Bangkok Hospital. Thank you for your support.We fired up and field-tested the barbecue unit supplied by Barbecues Galore at the recent Family Day. Andrew McDowell and Bob Pearson displayed their dexterity with the cooking irons, serving platters of well cooked steaks, sausages, chicken etc, This was no burnt offering. The BBQ’ed array of food cooked to perfection, was moving off the table like ice water would in hell. They must have done something right!!! Player recruitment this year as been slow although lately it has picked up with many inquiries through the web site. A campaign to attract new players is about to get under way. Expect to see posters all over town shortly.There is only a few short weeks to go before the whistle is blown to start the biggest sporting show on the planet in 2011. the 7th Rugby World Cup. We are indeed fortunate in Thailand, that most sports bars in Bangkok will the have the live feed of all games. This wasn’t the case a few months back. Thankfully this issue has been resolved. Wall Street and Tenderloins would have to be popular places to watch the games for most Bangers. Its unfortunate that games in Bangkok time, are scheduled during the afternoon. I can image some wise members will be planning to sneak away to a pub close to work for the odd game. The Old Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club will soon be ten years old. We have come a long way over the years.A celebration is in the planning.

Editor.

EDITORIAL

Andrew Mc Dowell Roberto Guolo Andrew Tatam Des Gist Rick O’Shea Geoff McKenna Grahame Fox Tom KerrGrant Signal Mike Laloli

CONTRIBUTORS

Chris Hartley, Jean Francois Klentzi Mike Swagger

PHOTOGRAPHY Johnn JaspersRobert Brewer

PROOF READERRoger Fitzgerald

WEBMASTER Mike Laloli

The BANGER BANTER is published quarterly by the Old Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club for members, sponsors and friends of the rugby club. The Banger Banter can be downloaded from the club web site. Members contribute all editorial and photography. The layout and design is provided by Ruck Graphics - a member of the Old Bangkok Banger Rugby Club

July - September 2011

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www.oldbangkokbangers.com

The new Bangers year is starting to move along quite nicely. We participated in the Phuket International Tens at the end of May. It was a great tournament enjoyed by all who joined the tour and as usual, we must thank Grahame “Foxy” Fox for his meticulous organization. In June, there were four events. Two Celebrity Dinners, the Byron Kelleher Sevens at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the Banger Family Day at the Patana International School. I attended all these events. Really enjoyable and a lot of fun was had by all those that attended.July has been a quiet month, with many members on home leave. For those members that have stayed in Bangkok their has been of opportunities to meet and socialize over a beer watching the finals of the Super15’s and Tri-Nations.

Since the Annual General Meeting, we have had two committee meetings. The most recent was two weeks ago. Cris Dunning has been busy finalizing the sponsors for the new season. As I am sure you understand, they has an important impact on many aspects of Banger life. As usual, we will acknowledge our sponsors on the web site, banners, posters and leisure polo shirts. We have also designed new membership cards and membership recruitment posters to be distributed around likely hangouts for new players. Chris Hartley has managed this project and done a great job.Mike Laloli and Paddy McKenna have been working on club related technology issues. We will be making changes to the web site including online membership administration. This should make life a little easier for all members.I haven’t mention everyone by name, but all of the committee are working in their spare time for the club and your benefit. Please do your bit to support the activities and events the club arranges. We have a another family oriented occasion coming up shortly at Tenderloins Sports Bar and Steak House. Make an effort to bring the wives family and girlfriends. It will be a great day.As previously mentioned, our sponsors for 2011/12 season are just about finalized. We will be in a position to advise everyone in the next couple of weeks. Please remember to support our sponsors, their products and services. They are extremely important to us. We could not the support the charities and the events we organise without their generous support.Lets make a real effort this season to spread the Banger credo. Make sure all we meet, know we are about “Fun, Friendship, and Fraternity”. Yours in Banger Rugby Andrew

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Well what can I say, apart from well done to all club members on negotiating another busy Old Bangkok Bangers season on and off field. Phew! As I write, our Club is having as a short off season as we ever have with our Patana training grounds closed for the school holidays. However, Wednesday training at continuing at the NIST School in Soi 16 and there is a Lumpini Park run on every Sunday at 4.00pm. There is still plenty of opportunities to get together and enjoy the company of other Bangers.At the Chris Kays International Tens in May we entered two teams. I was delighted to welcome some friends of Johnson Lowe from Hong Kong as we lost a few players to injuries early in the tournament. Entering two teams was a stretching it in the end. After a fine first day, the Colts team remained unbeaten. Then we fell apart at the seams and finally had to win a boat race in the Shield Semi Final eventually winning the Final in extra time in my 12th game of the weekend. Worn out, we retired to the pool for a well earned beer or three. The following Saturday, we played the Buccaneers RFC from Australia who had travelled to Thailand to play in the Pattaya International Tens but arrived a week too late.!!! For this match we welcomed all Bangers and a few friends to ensure that we had fifteen on the field. Pleased to say we come away with a win. After the match, we hosted our guests over to the Red & White where we managed to polish off a few dozen large bottles of Heineken. As you do.Next was the annual pilgrimage down to Phuket for the Phuket International Tens. This was led once again by Foxy, who did a magnificent job as always, getting everyone where they needed to be for the games and dressed up like twits for the evening partying. The Old Boys played on the Friday narrowly losing to the Phuket Viagrabonds and friends in the Semi Final. Unfortunately, this meant handing over the Weasel Cup. Enjoy it why you can fellas.The Colts did very well and managed to balance playing and drinking well with plenty of wins to keep the punters happy. This is a classic club tour, Make sure you tap Foxy on the shoulder when you see him to sign up for next years tour.

The Byron Kelleher Charity Sevens at the RBSC was next. Led by Andy Raming, our squad of eleven ageless warriors, played a fine brand of physical, no nonsense Sevens. We won three out of five matches, losing to the Southerners and the Thai Barbarians. Everyone enjoyed the day and post tournament beers. Nearly as much as Byron did.!!! As preparation for their big match against the Singapore Japanese (which they subsequently won) we played a fifteen-a-side training match against the Bangkok Japanese. Unfortunately, I report our first loss ever against the Japanese. There was a crazy three minutes towards the end of the game, when two break away tries from the wrong end of the field by the Japanese scuttled our record. Credit must go them. As a club they continue to go from strength to strength. The final and my favourite event, was our very successful Bangers Family Day, to say good bye to Nick McBride and Christo Lemmers, as well as a club day out with the families in tow. A game of touch was followed by steaks etc lovingly cooked by gourmet outdoor cooking experts, Andrew McDowell and Bob Pearson on our new BBQ unit donated by Barbecue Galore. Heineken, our generous prime sponsor also came to the party with fifteen cases of beer. Doesn’t get any better than that. Thank you to both parties.To those Bangers who are leaving us, we wish you all the very best for the future. To those who remain and to those who have recently joined the Club, we look forward to the rugby challenges in the months ahead! You will always be a Banger!

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Ciao. Really looking forward to the season and it is coming around quickly. Its only a week till the first game in the RBSC competition. We need to get some serious numbers out to training now. You all know we will be defending the title we won last year. So from next week, make sure you turn up on Wednesdays and Sundays to training.Recruiting new players is possibly the single most important issue facing us at this stage of the season. We lost a lot of players at the end of the last season, so its imperative we all get out there and find some new bodies. Posters are going up around town shortly, which will aid our recruitment drive. Remember, last season is now history.We take pride in being the most friendly rugby club in Bangkok Des Gist our coach, welcomes beginners just as warmly as experienced players. I welcome all the new players, the stalwarts and our old boy support-ers. The season will go by in a blink of an eye and for that I challenge every player to enjoy their rugby. We are not forced to play or have any obligations to attend practice. We do so because we enjoy it and enjoy the camaraderie amongst team mates and friends afterwards.That’s Banger rugby! Tante cose

Roberto

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A period of relative quiet for the playing department of the club as we enjoy the European summer holidays. With the Banger faithful spread across the globe during this period it is a time to reflect on the year ahead. With the playing group is getting older and some players leaving Thailand, it is critical every year to continue to bring fresh blood into the Banger fold. While skills and game management can be trained, you can’t beat youth and speed in the Colts squad. The committee has developed a strong advertising plan, so get behind it and drag a young fella down to the Club. We need to really work on this element and attract new players.The RSBC Tournament will be upon us in August and in Banger fashion we will have to wing the first game. Touch football is on Wednesday night at the NIST International School. Come on down and maintain your fitness level.

As you know, some members met for a run every Sunday in Lumpini Park also. This is while the Patana International School is closed for the school break. I urge you to get involved and join them.See you on the field.

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PROFILERSM Thailand is a member of RSM International the world’s sixth largest worldwide network of independent accounting, business advisory and consulting firms driven by a common vision of providing high quality professional services. RSM is represented by more than 32,000 professionals in over 700 offices in 80 countries. RSM Interna-tional has been in continuous existence since 1964, when it began a small network that was originally called DRM. In 1993 the network restructured and change its name to RSM International.

BANTER : Thanks for finding some time. I understand you have just got back from a holiday in Wales. How was it?Gareth : Relaxing. Great to catch up wiih family and friends.BANTER : RSM is a professional services firm. How does RSM Thai-land differentiate itself in the Thai-land professional services market? Gareth: RSM Thailand is a “One–Stop–Shop” servicing investors entering Thailand in almost all con-sulting areas. Our consulting ser-vices include audit, accounting, tax, recruitment, legal, works permits,

visas, risk management and corporate advisory. BANTER : The Big Four consulting firms are all known for having different cultures. What kind of culture prevails at RSM Thailand?Gareth : Our culture is the same as our vision which is “to be the provider of choice to internationally active growing organisations who are looking for accounting, tax, consulting and specialist advisory services that will create lasting success and help them reach their goals.”BANTER : Has the organizational structure of RSM Thailand changed over the years?Gareth: Considerably! We were originally owned by RSM Nelson Wheeler, Hong Kong and our business was corporate recovery. Our personnel then included an MD, 2 Associate Directors, 12 staff and 2 depart-ments. We are now a full service Chartered Accounting Firm with 7 divisions, 7 Directors and almost a 100

staff.BANTER : You lead a firm in a robust market in Thailand. What chal-lenges does that provide?Gareth : There have been many including dealing with cultural differ-ences, educating RSM International leaders with respect to these, the 2006 coup, the ensuing political instability, bird flu, swine flu to name but a few.BANTER: What are the biggest strengths of RSM Thailand?Gareth: Professionalism and technical ability of our personnel, quality of our clients and being part of such an excellent international net-work.BANTER: What have been some of the highlights during your time here?Gareth: Too many to mention them all but the ones that stand out in-clude getting married, fathering 2 children, turning the business round and the management buyout of the RSM Thai entity. BANTER: Thank Gareth. The club really appreciates your support?

Gareth Hughes, CEO RSM Thailand & Management Team

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Banger Banter. July - September 201111

Jeff was born in 1969 Besançon in the east part of France. He grew up at Pont de Claix, a small town near Grenoble in the French Alps. Jeff started to play rugby a few months after his arrival at Pont de Claix at the age of nine. A former school friend from Besançon, who was already playing with a local rugby club, told him that after each training session they were given sandwiches and lemonade. That was enough to convince Jeff to give rugby a try. He has fond memories of those early days and it is always a conversational point with friends whenever he returns home. Rugby has played a big part in his life and moulded him in to the person he his now. However Jeff prefers to thinks that the decision to leave France and work over-seas seventeen years ago was a life benchmark.As a young man Serge Blanco, Michel Platini and Bernard Hinault were his heroes. Another player he found inspirational was Eric Champ, the former flanker for Toulon and France. As

Jeff says “He was no angel when he was playing, no friends on the field but always look the opposition in the eyes and play without fear.” Jeff describe himself as short, bald and French; all the qualities needed to be a great seducer. Then after a brief pause he added “One other. It’s OK to be French” To Jeff rugby is the school of life where you learn what respect and friendship means, and importantly win the respect of the opponents. He went on to say “There are not many sports where you can drink 140 big Heineken bottles with your mates after training.” Touche.When asked what had been one of the best sporting moment on the field with the Bangers, Jeff reflected on the Angkor Tens in 2007. “The Bangers had a ruck at ten metres from the tryline. I subbed for one of the forwards, ran across the field from the side line, received a give pass from the ball from scrum half and sprinted to score in the corner and then came back to the bench. With this try, I finished Bangers top scorer of the tournament” That’s French panache for you.Jeff has lived and worked in Thailand for five years however, seventeen years ago he visited the Kingdom and stayed only five months. He played with the Corsair Rugby Club, one of the strong clubs in Bangkok in those days. He also squeezed enough time in during his stay to find a wife !!!!Jeff heard about the Bangers before arriving in Bangkok when he had a work stint in Malaysia. He ran into Rod Kerr, another Banger working in Malaysia and after few glasses of Ricard, Wine and Chartreuse, - as you do - Rod suggested he join the Bangers when Jeff was promoted to Bangkok. Jeff turned up at Patana International School one Sunday for training back in the days when Tom Kerr and Trevor Day were running the show. The rest is history.Playing for the Old Bangkok Bangers has been special for Jeff. With sixteen

“One other. It ’s OK to be French”

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Jean Francois Klentziall the qualities needed to be a great seducer !!

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Banger Banter. July - September 201113

A favorite pastime of Jeff’s is cycling. When he was young and living in Grenoble, during the rugby off season he started mountain biking enjoying the downhill and off road experience. Cycling to Jeff was always a challenge and he by no means found it easy. He climbed to the top of l’Alpe d’Huez, one of the main mountains in the Tour de France, starting from Grenoble with two hours sleep and under the influence of alcohol. They breed them tough in the French Alps.It was a team mate of Jeff’s Bob Pearson, that come up with idea to cycle down to Phuket for charity and he prompted Jeff to come on board. He starting training and quickly discovered that the pain in the legs from the hill climbing and pain in the arse from the time spent on the saddle discomforting. However, Jeff was determined to build a level of fitness where he could enjoy the pedal to Phuket. The cycling could have been limited to the yearly charity ride however, a fellow Frenchman and Banger, Patrick Bernard convinced Jeff to buy a decent road bike and then pushed him into using it. Jeff joined the “Peloton of Bangkok”. Peter Burgess, the former Club Coach is also a member. Jeff discovered cycling in a group was not as boring as going to the gym or jogging alone. Most Sunday mornings you will find him out cycling for about three hours “Its to compensate for the effect of the rugby social life on my body.”The members and club support the charity ride with donations. “It’s a tough challenge for a good cause and

be able to do it with friends is a real bonus” Jeff continued. “We started with three riders two years ago. We had seven last year and hopefully there we will be more next year.”

nationalities and all age bands, he thinks. this make the club unique and special. Two years ago, he was chosen as the Club Captain and this has remained a memorable experience. Jeff was perhaps the most popular Club Captain ever. He did a magnificent job developing and nurturing the club’s three teams under his watch and for his efforts was awarded the Clubman of the Year on two occasions. Jeff really enjoys the social element of rugby believing that you can not dissociate the game from the social side. He believes that forging a strong bond between players on and off the field are core elements in building a successful Club. Jeff strongly emphasized post-training debriefing sessions, overseas and domestic touring and trekking the bars in Soi 23 when they were organized !!!! He also started a weekly Club newsletter called the “Red & White” which was very popular with the members. Sadly, after he stood down as Club Captain, the newsletter ceased publication. Where he found the time to desktop publish the Red & White, organize the club database, run a family, run a business, play and train, had his team - mates mystified and in awe of his capacity to squeeze it all in.

The Banter had to ask Jeff how well will France go in Rugby World Cup in six weeks? He gave a wry smile and jokingly said “The Italian Mafia now run Squadra Azura and they will arrange an Italian victory against the French.” He is not betting on the French the time around. The Anglophone community think a little differently from Jeff, believing France could be and will be the team to beat. Perhaps Jeff is just foxing.Jeff is looking forward to relocating to Perth. As he pointed out “It will be different life and great experience for his kids.” He is already thinking about joining the Cottesloe Rugby Club, a club he is familiar with from their annual tours to the Phuket International Tens. Jeff says “It would a good excuse to come back to Thailand to play and meet my old friends”Finally, Jeff mentioned he is really going to miss Bangkok, the Bangers and all the friends he made here over the years. The Bangers are sure going to miss Jeff. Bon voyage et prends garde.

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Recent reports in the medical journals have suggested that Alzheimer’s could be controllable in the near future. That future cannot come soon enough for many of our Ancients fraternity. Entirely normal and understandable. Where’s the loo?There has been little for the seniors of our Club to get excited about recently (saves a heart attack or two, we suppose) but things are stirring in the graveyard!! There is the prospect of a couple of runs for the Ancients in the next two months. Not much time for our warriors to recover between matches but there is nothing like a new challenge. However, we are looking to run at the Vinarco Veterans Tournament at Patana on August 27th and again at the next Bangers Family Day at Patana on September 18th. If you can join either or both of these runs, please let Foxy know as he is the Ancients rep on the committee and acting Captain whenever Kevin Hutton-Smith is away wandering around the world.The Bangers Committee has graciously agreed to fund some new kit for the Ancients as our original gear has suffered from the stresses of our game. In fairness it was cheap and nasty kit and not expected to survive long. Hopes are that Ancients will refrain from behaving like girls in the future by trying to rip kit off innocent opponents.The Bangers are serious about supporting Ancients Rugby going forwards - training is not essential, but many of the young guns have made it clear how much they appreciate the older members turning up for a run and a few beers. 2012 should see a major effort to organise more runs and your involvement is much needed. There are over 50’s in almost every bar in Bangkok who once played rugby and who just need an invite to come see the fun we can have WITHOUT risk of contact injury. Your club needs you to act NOW and bring them into the fold.Pass on the message and let’s see where we can go. Ancients Rugby rules will appear in the next edition of the Banter - if you miss it, our resident referee will make you suffer more than usual!By the way, Patana School has arranged a special parking bay for colostomy bags for the duration of each game - any bags left over-night will be destroyed and excess parking charges applied. You have been warned.

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BANTER.: Timed this right with Queensland win-ning the Super 15’s this year ?CHRIS: Absolutely, a great win capping-off a season of champagne rugby from the Reds. Let’s hope the form carries into the Wallabies and the Rugby World Cup.BANTER : What did you think of the game ?CHRIS : Awesome display by the Reds. Great all round team effort – forwards going forward, backs scoring tries and looking good. BANTER : Where in Queensland are you from ? CHRIS : Brisbane, in the great South-East. BANTER : I understand in your youth you played rugby league ?CHRIS : Yep. Played Rugby League for Toowong State High School from 1981-84. Apart from that I played a bit of nearly everything. Rugby from age 6-8. Soccer from 9-12 (was a hopeless fullback). Aussie rules (outside of school) from 13-17. Touch rugby 19-27. Back to full rugby at age 28 when I went to Manila, Still playing 16 years later. BANTER : Do you have fond memories of those early days ?CHRIS : During High School we used to play a yearly game against the fancy private school boys across the road. They would invariably win the game but we would win the fights. There was al-ways a bit of biffo back then – even at school level.

BANTER : When did you first play union?CHRIS : Under 6s for West Juniors Rugby, 1974.BANTER : Who has been the biggest influence on your career?CHRIS : Probably my mum – she was the one who would take me to training & watch my week-end games during my young years. BANTER : Who was your sporting hero as a kid ?CHRIS : Wally Lewis is known as the King of Lang Park (now Suncorp Stadium). Wally grew up in Brisbane – not far from my home & he is arguably the greatest rugby league player of all time. Dur-ing the Eighties he was unmatched on the field in both skills & physicality. Smash the man, grab the ball was his motto. BANTER : What motivates you on the field?CHRIS : Not letting my mates down. BANTER : What wise words have been important to you in your life?CHRIS : “Have a go mate”BANTER : Any pre-match routine?CHRIS : Show-up, have a dump, warm-up.BANTER : What are a few words to describe you?CHRIS : Reliable, tolerant, humble, loyal… but can be a bit reserved sometimes.BANTER : What is the most important lesson you have learned in life?CHRIS : Take responsibility for your own actions. Don’t be afraid to have a go. BANTER : What mistake have you learned the most from?CHRIS : Don’t listen to others when it comes to financial planning. Educate yourself & have a go. BANTER : Moving on, you lived in Manila for a while and played for the Manila Nomads ?CHRIS : Yep. Arrived in Manila in Dec 1995 & liked the place so much I stayed for 10 years. My rugby & social life revolved around Nomads Sports Club where I played a lot of rugby, cricket & did some serious liver damage at the bar. BANTER : You seem to enjoyed your time in Manila ?CHRIS : Yeah – wonderful period of my life. Great for both my professional & social life. Met some life-long mates. BANTER : Of course you married a local girl and in understand you are building a house there?

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CHRIS : Yeah – I met the lovely Rica in 2005 and she hasn’t gotten rid of me yet. We haven’t made it official yet but the Bangers will be first to know when it happens. We are currently building a home in Pampanga & hope to be christening it this Christmas. BANTER : How long have you now been in Thailand ?CHRIS : Arrived in July 2006.BANTER : When you arrived here how did you end up playing with the Bangers ?CHRIS : I blame Trevor Day. He was Banger captain at the time & I knew him from his Manila days. He dragged me to Wall Street the first day I arrived to see Aussie get thumped by the Kiwis in a Beldisloe Cup match. Met a few of the Banger lads & the rest is history. BANTER : What is has been a sporting moment for you with the Bangers on the field?CHRIS : Had a great time touring Manila with the Bangers last March & playing in the Manila10s Vets comp. Loved

playing against some of my old mates from the Manila Nomads. We didn’t win but had a blast on & off the field. Am looking forward to repeating the tour next year. BANTER : You obviously still enjoyed your rugby ?CHRIS : Yep – I love running around the paddock with my mates …& will keep on running as long as my old legs last. BANTER : What are some of your other interests outside of rugby?CHRIS : In my spare time I am a keen trader of forex, shares and futures. Also dabble in some property invest-ments in Philippines and Australia. Other than that I like to drift away in a good novel.BANTER : On to the Word Cup. What do think of the Wallaby chances of lifting the Cup? CHRIS : I have great hopes for the Wallabies this year. Our top players showed good form in the S15 season and despite a hick-up against Samoa, we are still on track. We have a good mix of experience and young

guns. The Wallaby back-line is probably the best in the game – but the forwards are still a bit of a worry. So long as we can get some go forward, then the back-line led by Cooper should tear-up any opposition. BANTER : Do you think it could be an Aussie - Kiwi final ?CHRIS : This is a likely scenario according to the bookies. Kiwis will be tough to beat on their own turf however I think the ageing All Blacks are beatable.BANTER : Anything else you would like to addCHRIS : Well done with the Banter. Keep up the good work.BANTER : Thanks. Appreciate your time

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Television Match OfficialOften referred to as “TMO” or “Video referee” a television match official may be appointed to assist the referee in determining whether points have been scored. A television match official can only rule on exactly what the referee asks them. Television match officials are commonly used in first class and international televised games. In lower level games, where no TMO has been appointed, the referee cannot use video equipment in supporting any decision. Some of the behavior, referees have had to deal with over the yearsStamping And Kicking

In a 1927 match involving Quillan, the strongest team in the country at the time, and Perpignan, the • Quillan hooker Gaston Riviere received such a kicking that he died from his injuries. Welsh fullback JPR Williams was the victim of stamping by touring New Zealand prop John Ashworth • in 1978. After receiving 30 stitched from his father he returned to the game. A player for Welsh club Pontycymmer was jailed for 15 months after stomping on an opposition • players head during a rugby game in 2005. In 2006 a South African rugby player from the Western Cape died after allegedly being kicked in the • head during a rugby match.

Biting South African prop Johan Le Roux bit New Zealand hooker Sean Fitzpatricks ear during a scrum • during a test in 1994, receiving an 18 month ban. After the disciplinary hearing he stated that “For an 18-month suspension, I feel I probably should have torn it off”. Kevin Yates, an English international, was cited for foul play in 1998 by London Scottish after a • player suffered a serious injury to his left ear and subsequently received a six month ban. In 2008 a English club player was banned for eighty weeks following a biting incident that left a • player with “a partial amputation of the right index finger”. A Welsh club rugby player was jailed for a year in 2008 for biting an opponents earlobe off. • After a scuffle during a 2009 rugby match in Brackenfell, a town in South Africa’s Western Cape, a • player had to have his fingertip reattached after an alleged biting incident.

Eye-gouging In October 2010, Gavin Quinnell of the Welsh regional team Scarlets suffered an eye injury 30 • minutes into a game between Scarlets feeder club Llanelli and Cross Keys. The following Thursday it was confirmed that, despite the best efforts of surgeons, he had lost the sight in his left eye. The incident is currently being investigatedClarence Harding, an amateur player, lost sight in his right eye after an incident. The player alleged • to have been responsible was cleared of all charges due to lack of evidence.

A Short History of Rugby Referees

When the game of rugby union was developed at Rugby school, there were no official rugby referees. It was not until many years later when the game begun to spread internationally that an official was included.Before the creation of rugby referees, the captains from both teams would set the rules down before the game began. The two captains would arbitrate the game together as it went on. Interestingly, this is where

the ‘advantage’ law comes from in rugby union. This was because a team’s captain was not likely to complain or stop

play if his side actually benefited from the other team’s infringement.In 1892, the International Rugby Board was created as a result of a disputed try that the captains could not agree on whether it had been scored. The rugby laws were changed to require one referee and two touch judges at each game to make the arbitration easier and more consistentSince then the match official’s job has remained constant. The main change has been in the uniform and since 2000 the use of communication equipment and the television match official has greatly increased.

Banger Rugby Rule Enforcer

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The upcoming Rugby World Cup isn’t all fun and games. For some people it will be a matter of life and death, literally. Cardiac arrests, drunk-driving, binge boozing, smoking, gorging on fatty snack foods with no exercise… are some of the things that will greatly increase during the Rugby World Cup.According to a study in the British Medical Journal a few years back the number of heart attacks in Britain rose by 25 per cent when England lost to Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in a penalty shoot out in 1998. The English didn’t have to worry at that at the last World Cup. It would seem even their most ardent fan were not expecting much from them.A Swiss study found a 60% increase in cardiac arrests among the general adult Swiss population during the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup. Stress and anger are documented triggers for heart attacks. It gets worse. Whilst a loss is bad for the heart, a victory might also do you in. A study in Wales showed injuries caused by violent assault increased when the home

team won. Researchers blame it on increased alcohol consumption, which turns people into idiots. With all of these health risks, who would possibly want to watch the Rugby World Cup ? On second thoughts, if we’re going to die it might as well be in front of the box, watching grown men tackle each other in pursuit of the oval ball. What a noble way to go… as long as your life insurance premiums are up to date!

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Contact : EDDIE EVANS

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Nick McBride

Christo Lemmers

Nick McBride has recently taken up an appointment in Dubai, as Sports Director at the American International School. Nick was tough as Thai teak and was arguably the best loose forward the Bangers have ever had. His leadership skills and consistent form inspired confidence in his team mates. A native of Newcastle and a product of Rosslyin Park RFC, Nick has retired because of a back injury. Nick recently completed a coach training course at the Murray Mexted Rugby Academy in New Zealand Last season in his last game, he was invited to play with the Jam Boys, a South African touring side skippered by Bobby Skinstead, in the Bangkok International Tens. His rugby talents will be sorely missed.

Christo Lemmers is off to Germany. A native of Haarlem in the Netherlands he played his early rugby with the Castricum Rugby Club. Early in his career, he was a member of the Holland under 18 National squad. A renowned slippery character courtesy of his ability to step off both feet and is a brutal front-on defender. Christo was an elusive ball carrier and ferocious defender who covered both inside and outside centre during his time with the Bangers. He was popular member of the club and together with his wife Lieke attended all Club social events, enjoying the camaraderie and merriment of club rugby in Bangkok. Christo has retired after series of nasty facial injures last season. We wish him the best of luck with his new appointment

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A Drunken Man Walks Into A Bar

Annual Checkup

When The Doorbell Rings

Women Rushes To See A Docter

Two Black Eyes

A man staggers into an emergency room with two black eyes and a five iron wrapped tightly around his throat. Naturally the doctor asks him what hap-pened. “Well, it was like this,” said the man. “I was having a quiet round of golf with my wife when she sliced her ball into a pasture of cows. “We went to look for it and while I was rooting around, I noticed one of the cows had something white at its rear end. “I walked over and lifted up the tail and sure enough, there was my wife’s golf ball -- stuck right in the middle of the cow’s butt. That’s when I made my mistake.” “What did you do?” asks the doctor. “Well, I lifted the tail and yelled to my wife,’ Hey, this looks like yours!’”

A drunken man walked into a bar and, after staring for some time at the only woman seated at the bar, walked over to her and kissed her. She jumped up and slapped him silly.He immediately apologised and explained, "I'm sorry. I thought you were my wife. You look exactly like her.""Why you worthless, insufferable, wretched, no good drunk!" she screamed."Funny," he muttered, "you even sound exactly like her."

This woman rushed to see her doctor, looking very much worried and all strung out. She rattles off: “Doctor, take a look at me. When I woke up this morning, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my hair all wiry and frazzled up, my skin was all wrinkled and pasty, my eyes were bloodshot and bugging out, and I had this corpse-like look on my face! What’s WRONG with me, Doctor!?”The doctor looks her over for a couple of minutes, then calmly says: “Well, I can tell you that there ain’t nothing wrong with your eyesight....” A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is

finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour. Before she says a word, Bob says, “I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.” After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, “Who was that?”“It was Bob the next door neighbour,” she replies.“Great!” the husband says, “did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?”

A 85 year old man is at the doc’s having his annual checkup. The doctor asks him how he’s feeling. “Never better!” he replies. “I’ve got an eighteen year old bride who’s pregnant with my child! What do you think about that?”The doctor considers this for a moment, then says, “Well, let me tell you a story...I know a guy who’s an avid hunter. He never misses a season. But one day he’s in a bit of a hurry and he accidentally grabs his umbrella instead of his gun.So he’s walking in the woods near a creek and sud-denly spots a beaver in some brush in front of him! He raises up his umbrella, points it at the beaver and squeezes the handle. *BAM* The beaver drops dead in front of him.”“That’s impossible !” said the old man in disbelief, “Someone else must have shot that beaver.”“Exactly.”

Joke of the

Quarter

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In 1888 the British Lions sailed ‘down under’ – given the hazards, distance and communication difficulties of the time, merely bringing the venture to fruition was an astonishing feat in itself. Remarkably, nine years earlier, England’s rugby captain had made a similar daring attempt at organising a tour.The first international rugby tours were organised by private promoters in conjunction with leading players Sometimes these were one in the same person. No doubt the tours were about adventure, but they were often underpinned by the expectation of financial profit, or at the very least no monetary loss.These pioneers of international rugby were treading the path blazed by English cricketers, who had begun mounting tours to Australia through the 1860s-80s. The first Australian cricket team visited England in 1878.The 1888 Lions squad was brought together by professional cricketers Arthur Shrewsbury and Alfred Shaw, who had taken English cricket teams to Australia in 1881 and 1887. They saw the rugby tour as means to make money from gate-takings, even though the game was still developing as a spectator sport in the Australasian colonies.Though that Lions tour party of 1888 is rightly lauded as rugby’s trail-blazers of international rugby, their implausible but ultimately successful venture wasn’t the first such attempt – amazingly this effort wasn’t merely a year or two earlier, but at the end of the preceding decade.In late 1879 Frank Adams – Richmond RFC captain and a current England international forward –took inspiration from the tour undertaken by Lord Harris and his English cricket team through the Australian summer of 1878/79. Adams opened negotiations by sending a letter to the

Southern RFU (now the New South Wales Rugby Union NSWRU) in Sydney, expressing interest in leading an English rugby team to Australia and New Zealand in 1880. Following the cricketers’ model, Adams sought agreement that the NSWRU would cover the tour’s expenses if there was a loss. Understandably, the arrival of Adams’ letter in October 1879 caused great excitement in Sydney’s rugby and sporting communities. NSWRU not only reached out to the rugby bodies in Queensland and New Zealand to help fund the tour and set up matches, but they also sent letters to the Australian rules associations in Adelaide, Tasmania and Melbourne there’s no doubt that Adams and everyone else involved understood that if any meaningful money was to be generated by the tour, games had to be played in Melbourne under their local rules.Cables and letters were regularly exchanged between Adams and the NSWRU, continuing well into the first months of 1880. Matters seemed to be progressing favourably. In March 1880 Adams was selected as England captain in matches against Scotland and Ireland at The Oval in London .Adams communicated to the NSWRU that the likely expenses would be in the order of £3,000 It was a staggering amount, and one which the NSWRU, had little chance at raising. The NSWRU would soon write to Adams: “We are not prepared to guarantee any amount.” That it was it – the tour was abandoned. Even though Adams’ plan failed to come to fruition, it did inspire Arnold to push onwards with commencing inter-colonial tours. Just two years later (1882) the first NSW and Queensland teams were formed, playing against each other in Sydney. That same year NSW toured New Zealand for the first time.It would not be for another 80 years (1963) though before the England rugby team finally arrived in Australia.

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Barbecue Store21 Sukhumvit Soi 39Sukhumvit, Bangkok

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Before bread as we know it came into being, many different cereals and grains were first used in the form of a crushed up, dried meal, mixed with water and eaten without cooking. Then, as time progressed, it was transformed into a cake made from a mixture of the meal with honey, oil, water, various other grains, fruits and meats. It is said that the Hebrews, Egyptians and Chinese developed this type of flat bread at around the same time. These flat cakes were made of a mixture of cereal meal and water and baked without a leavening (yeast) added. Unleavened flat cakes were the only type of bread known to the Roman soldiers. These flat breads, known as trenchers, were used instead of plates for cutting up meats and other foods and were then eaten or thrown to the poor. The discovery of a fermented bread, which was no doubt an accidental one, is attributed to the Egyptians who used the leaven of sour dough, left over from the previous breadmaking batch, and the must of grapes, kneaded with flour and dried in the sun. Since this discovery, bread has become a staple item in many different forms ranging

Geoff Mckenna - Banger Class of 2002

from Scones, Crumpets, Sticky Buns, Donuts and a myriad of other concoctions that are too numerous to name here.Bread is a food which is used (and abused), more than any other food category, particularly in Western countries. For many, it is a staple food which children are taught - and sometimes forced - to eat with all other food. Good bread taken in moderation is an excellent food, but it should not be eaten in excessive amounts. The crust is more digestible than the crumb, both because being harder it has to be chewed with greater care, and because one eats less of it. For the same reason, toasted bread is better for digestion.The difference in the composition of the crust and the crumb of a loaf of bread lies mainly in the higher water content found in the crumb, which, unfortunately makes the adulteration of bread products much easier to get away with. The most prevalent (and profitable) method used in the adulteration of bread is to retain as much water as possible in the loaf after baking. Other practices involve the use of grains that are low in gluten content and the addition of “improving agents” - chemical products - to the flour which are claimed to make bread-making easier. These practices, mostly condemned by nutritionists, are the main reasons that their advice is against eating white bread.Nutritionists and dietitians can say what they like about the benefits or negatives of bread. I believe that bread has a very important role to play in the general diet of most people, especially for the poorer families that cannot afford the more luxurious types of foods. I will eat bread any day of the week…even better if it is wrapped around a HOTDOG.!

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Stewart Gorman - London, Banger 2007 -10

Gentlemen of the Bangers, it gives me great pleasure to announce that on Saturday 16 April 2011 Wanstead Desperados got their hands on their first piece of silverware. The two training sessions I fitted in before the annual fixture against Old Bealonians obviously paid off as I was selected to start. Due to a lack of speed no one was willing to play open side flanker so we did a left and right split. The match was played in the traditional Old Boys four quarters. I played the first quarter and came off through a lack of breath with us leading 17-0. Sat out the second quarter when there was no score by either side. I missed the first score in the third quarter which saw the lead increased to 24-0. I joined the fray mid-way through the third quarter and stayed on until the final whistle when we ran out winners 41-0. It was generally agreed that the best part of our game had been in defence the highlight of which was a two minute defence of our try line in the 3rd quarter that kept Old Bealonians out. The after match deliberations comprised the traditional photo call, adjourning to the bar with the opposition and the award ceremony. Things started out at a rather sedate pace until someone decided to sing a song that entailed hitting people over the head with a tin tray. This was followed by a rendition of “Sunshine Mountain” and wrapping up with “Father Abraham”. Not heard the last one sung by the Bangers but concludes with every one on their backs singing Father Abraham and his seven sons, waving their arms and legs in the air at the same time using your head in a butting motion and thrusting your hips in … well you can guess what motion. Not in the same league as “Singing in the Rain” in Phuket two years ago but for a scratch effort pretty damn impressive.

The end of the day came all too quickly but I did my best to extend it by being unable to give the cab driver directions to where I live! In the end had to get him to drop me at a train station and I walked the mile and half home from there. Next rugby engagement is the London Double Header at Twickenham to open the Aviva Championship season with London Irish hosting Harlequins and last season’s champions Saracens play London Wasps. Before that I have the joys of moving home again this weekend.

FATHER ABRAHAM

NOW ON FACEBOOK

NOW ON TWITTER

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Rick O’Shea - Banger Class of 2002

Stillv

The Bangers are about to celebrate their 10th

anniversary. The Old Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club was the brainchild of John Beard, an Australian who was working in Bangkok and a regular at the Wall Street Bar & Grill.The first meeting was held on the 12th September 2001. The picture on the left hand side of the page was taken to celebrate the birth of the club.Its worth noting that although John Beard has returned to Australia, all the remaining people that attended that meeting, remain in Thailand and all are Anzac bike riders. Quite a coincidence. The Old Bangkok Bangers have hosted numerous teams over that ten years. The club rooms were recently visited by the Yellowbellies from Hamilton New Zealand who toured Thailand seven years ago. It was great to catch up with these guys again. They were the first team from down-under to visit. Several of the older Bangers turned up to welcome them back to Bangkok. The Bangers are all welcome to visit the Yellowbellies in New Zealand over the World Cup period where we will be welcome to stay with them.Recently, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Wall Street. Thanks to all the Bangers that showed up. It was a great night. Finished really late. So they tell me.The Tri Nations have started and will be a two horse race, as South Africa have opted to keep their A team at home. Probably a good decision. Six weeks now until the World Cup and bars are gearing up for the event. However, all games are morning or afternoon Thai time. There will be replays in the evening.

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Where were you born ? Ann Arbor, Michigan. USAThe name of your first club ? The Dexter Devils (My high school team)Did you ever play first grade rugby? No. Played 1st grade ice hockeyWhat is your club nickname? SWAG Where do you call home? Phaholyothin Soi 21Five words that describe you.Easy to get along withWhats is a phrase you use often.? F%$@ing BritsAre you superstitious? NoWhat’s your favourite music? RapWhat is the most surprising thing ever to happen to you ? Moving to ThailandWhats a common misperception people have of you? My age; people tend to think I am about 30Whats your ideal night out? A win on the rugby pitch then a night at Soi CowboyIn a nutshell, what is philosophy of life? Nobody makes it out of this aliveAfter a busy day what would be the perfect way to relax? Video games, a beerWhat motivates you to be focused and driven? See the above answer What’s your favourite food? BBQ ribsWhat is your greatest talent or party trick? I can do great handstandsBook you are currently reading or have just finished? Frog Prince. I read this to my 7th gradersFavourite TV programme? Deadwood, Sapranos, Swamp People Favourite film ? BlowMost enjoyable holiday location? Ski trips to UtahPerson you would most like to meet:? Kim-Jong Il Sportsperson you admire most? Scotty Bowman (look it up)Hobbies? Playing games, drinking beer and BBQing ribsBiggest influence on career? My dad.

Best career advice you were given? Tell them what they want to hear then tell them you will do what they wantOther sports that you played? Swimming, ice hockey, skiing, rugby, golf, wrestling.Best rugby memory? youtube dexter rugby state champs http://www.you-tube.com/watch?v=7cRmqKMPl1MRugby Player you admire most ? The player who scores the winning try against England.Rugby team you admire most ? Whoever is beating EnglandSporting event you would most like to attend? Winter Olympics in Korea

Best airline? Not ThaiPolitics? Up to youReligion? Up to you but I don’t want to hearSex? OKReality TV? The amazing race Red Shirts? Detroit Red WingsSoccer? A girls sport

Comedy or action? ActionBooks or films? FilmsBeer or spirits? BeerFast food or health eating? DuhhNight in or night out? Night out Hamburger, pizza or street food? BurgerGreen Day or U2? Kill my selfHeineken or Singha? Singha, its cheaperBlonde or Brunette? Brunette

FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND

QUICK FIRE

Mike Swager

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What a quarter I tell ya. The Queensland Reds were just magnificent winning the Super 15 Rugby Championship. Hey. I knew the Reds were the real goods but I never knew they were going to be that good come playoff time. The final was something special. The two individual tries by Genia and Ioane were real beauties. Mind you, we must give some credit to the Canterbury Crusaders Their travel schedule this all season was punishing. After thrashing the Stormers in South Africa in the Semi Finals, they flew into to Brisbane for the Final. The final score 18 -13 shows how close the game was. Most sports pundits would say the best team won. I may even buy season tickets to the Red next year. Like their style. The focus is off the Super 15’s onto the Tri - Nations. The Wallabies had a trot a couple of weeks ago against Western Samoa and they looked very ordinary. Like many of my mates, I thought the Wallabies would win this in a canter. No such luck. The Samoans beat the Wallabies all over the paddock and won the game 32-23. Resting the star players was not such a good idea. Having said that, on paper, there was enough experience and depth in Wallabies that they have done way way better. This was embarrassing and a real wake up call to the selectors. Matt Giteau could be in danger of losing his slot in the Wallabies. Gosh, two years ago he was Australia

AVAILABLE NOWpreeminent fly half. What a difference a week makes. The Springbok were in town and Dingo Deans was not going to be caught short this time. The Wallabies rebounded from their shock loss to Samoa to spectacularly launch their Tri-Nations campaign with a 39-20 win. The Wallabies ripped apart the South Africans in a bonus-point demolition. This was great stuff. Sparked by halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia, the Wallabies were unrecognizable from their sloppy performance against Samoa and were always in command against the world champions.So now its the All Blacks at Eden Park. This will be a great match. I am flying down to the Shakey Isles for this one. I see the All Blacks also convincingly beat the Springbok last weekend. Both teams have now raked up a win. Do we have the capacity to defeat this quality Kiwi side and come out smelling of roses? I think so. We beat them in Hong Kong last year. The All Blacks probably have the best forward pack but the back lines look evenly matched. Its going to be a great contest. Bring it on.My training is still going is well with one slight interruption. Had far too many beers after the Wallaby win against the Springboks. No more beer until Auckland. See ya round.Bazza

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145 • - Highest Score by a team in a Rugby World Cup match: New Zealand vs. Japan 199522• - Most tries scored by a team in a Rugby World Cup match: 22, Australia vs. Namibia 2003142 • - Biggest winning margin in a Rugby World Cup match: Australia vs. Namibia 200315• - Most tries by a single player at the Rugby World Cup: Jonah Lomu (1995, 1999)8• - Most tries by a player in a single Rugby World Cup campaign: Jonah Lomu in 1995 and Bryan Habana in 20076• - Most tries by a player in a single Rugby World Cup match: Marc Ellis, New Zealand vs. Japan 1995243 • - Most points by a single player at the Rugby World Cup: Johnny Wilkinson (1999-2007)126• - Most points scored in a single Rugby World Cup campaign: Grant Fox, 198745• - Most points in a single Rugby World Cup Game: Simon Culhane, New Zealand vs. Japan 199953• - Most penalties kicked at the Rugby World Cup: Johnny Wilkinson (1999-2007)31• - Most penalties in a single Rugby World Cup campaign: Gonzalo Quesada, 19998 • - Most penalties scored in a single match: Matt Burke, Gavin Hastings, Gonzalo Quesada & Thierry Lacroix13 • - Most drop goals scored at the Rugby World Cup: Johnny Wilkinson (1999-2007)5• - Most drop goals scored in a single match: Jannie de Beer, South Africa vs. England, 199952 meters• - Longest distance drop goal: Andy Miller, Japan vs. Fiji 20038• - Most drop goals in one tournament: Johnny Wilkinson, 200322• - Most Rugby World Cup matches played: Jason Leonard, England 1991-20035• - Most Rugby World Cup campaigns: Brian Lima, Samoa 1991-200736 years 33 days• - Oldest player in a Rugby World Cup final: Mike Catt, England vs. South Africa 200719 years 8 days• - Youngest player in a Rugby World Cup final: Thretton Palamo, United States vs. South Africa 20072 • - Number of draws in Rugby World Cup history: 8 • - Number of matches where one team failed to score:39• - Most conversions in Rugby World Cup history: Gavin Hastings (1987-1995)30• - Most conversions in a single Rugby World Cup: Grant Fox, 198720• - Most conversions in a single Rugby World Cup match: Simon Culhane, New Zealand vs. Japan 199524• - Number of teams to have participated in the Rugby World Cup during its history

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Nutrition plays such an important part in a rugby players career, making sure the right foods and fluids are absorbed into the body on a daily basis. Along with a regular training regime, correct nutrition can make the body and mind work much more effectively, not only producing results in training, but on the field of play. There are numerous foods which are advised in a players diet, some more important that others.Carbohydrate FoodsCarbohydrate foods are consumed regularly in the diet, a group of foods which best produce the bodies main source of energy.

Breakfast -• Eat cereal and breads, which are carbohydrate rich.Snacking• - Consume muesli bars, crackers, fruit etcMain meals• - Eat pasta, rice, potatoes etc as well as vegetables.

These foods will benefit players when recovering and preparing for training and matches, and will improve muscle gain.Hydration

Low hydration levels can effect any rugby players mental ability, inflicting badly in decision making. • Keeping good hydration can improve concentration and longevity.Consume 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day to maintain high levels• Two hours before game time, drink half a litre of water to improve concentration and physical stability• When consuming meals and snacks, try to include a glass of water. Keeping fluids up helps recovery, as • the amount lost during training and games is extremely high.

Protein FoodsEat moderate amounts of protein foods to balance your diet and add variety.Moderate amounts of foods such as meat, fish and dairy products add to the balance of your diet but must be analyzed, as these foods are not your main source on energy.Fruit and VegetablesFruit and vegetables play a vital part in every person’s diet and are essential for energy. Consume five of more servings of fruit and vegetables per day, plus your requirement of carbohydrate foods. These can strengthen muscles, prevent illness, sickness and help body recovery.Low Fat FoodsAlong with a balanced diet, low fat foods can be consumed as snacks and be regular in your diet without putting on unneeded body weight. Foods such as fresh fruit, low fat smoothies, cereal bars, dried fruit etc can be snacked throughout the day, giving the body adequate energy when needed.AvoidHigh in fat foods before and during exercise, training and matches. Large amounts of alcohol, which can lead to slower recovery of injuries, unnecessary increase in body weight and poor hydration levels. Carbohydrate foods late at night which can also add unwanted body weight.Excess amounts of protein rich foods, which can by high in fat and calories.Correct nutrition plays such a massive part in sport, and if every players follows the correct guidelines fitness and training can become a lot easier and and motivation levels can be at a premium.

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Old Bangkok Banger Rugby Therapist

NantidaI am a 20 year old, bubbly, attractive mixed Thai - Scottish girl. I overheard my parents, plotting to line me up with a bald, pot-bellied ex Banger rugby player who is twice my age. This man has inherited a vast fortune and my parents feel that I would be financially secure. I hate the very idea. I am des-perate. Please advise.To YoungPre-marriage counselling is what I specialize in. Though it is not clear, from your question, if your apprehensions about marrying this man pertain to his baldness, his potbelliedness, that he an ex rugby player or the fact of his being twice your age,.Let me tackle all four. Baldness should actually lift your spirits as it is well-established that a receding hair line is due to increased hormonal activity and is reflective of the man’s virility. There is evidence that pot-bellied men make better fathers, more competent cooks and have a keener sense of humour. Ex rugby player? That should not be an issue, he has probably been in a scrum or two in his time and knows how to get back on his feet when he has been knocked down. About his age, let me disabuse you of the notion that you will continue to be half his age for ever. When he is 100 years old, you will be 60. You will be an octogenarian yourself. So, all your concerns are baseless. Don’t give it a second thought if you like him. Plunge right ahead and enjoy his riches .

NantidaI am a 58 year old widower, former rugby player with grown up daughters transferred by my company to Bangkok. I have met a Thai woman aged 27. She speaks little English but we manage to understand each other. I cannot believe my luck. She is beautiful. Her family approve of our relationship but my daughters are driving me nuts, saying she just wants my money. I am thinking of cutting them out of my life. She has asked if she can move in and marry me. She insists she loves me. But my daughters have put doubts in my mind. Surely she would not marry or live with me if she did not love me? What do you think?Concerned

NantidaA very close farang rugby playing friend of mine, recently replaced my old Blackberry Curve with a Blackberry Torch. On my way home from his place, I discovered that I didn’t know how to transfer all my BB contacts from my old phone to the new phone so I went back to his house so that he could show

Don’t have enough information to advise, however I can help with the phone issue.When you buy a Blackberry phone they come with something called the Blackberry Desktop Manager. It’s usually on a CD enclosed in the your new phone comes in.Install this software onto your computer then connect your old phone to your pc using the USB cable provided.Start the Blackberry Desktop Manager software and when it loads click the button that says ‘Device Switch Wizard.’The system will now guide you through the steps to transfer all the data from your old phone (including your bb contacts) to your new phone.I hope this helps.

me how to do it.On getting there I found another car packed behind his. I thought I recognized it. I entered through the kitchen and found him in bed with a girl I know.Jealous

Your daughters cannot know for sure that she is af-ter your money. They may be scared of losing their inheritance. I have known Thai women marrying a man they do not love just to have a cosy life or end up with his house. What are her circumstances? Does she own her own house? Is she short of money? Look at this with an analytical eye. See how she feels about the idea of continuing as you are. If interested she will be happy to wait, if she loses interest it was probably the house she was after.

Page 38: Banger Banter 3rd Quarter 2011

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